Health Canada Slaps DEET
Posted by: Kathie Brosemer (kathie) on April 23, 2002 at 09:41:46
from the what's-making-YOU-buggy? dept.
April 23, 2002 - National Post
"Health Canada to outlaw extra-strong bug spray. Brain damage feared. by Tom Blackwell
Health Canada has quietly decided to ban insect repellents with more than 30% of the active ingredient DEET, citing health risks and evidence that pumping up the content of the chemical does not do much more to keep the bugs at bay. The regulator has also decided to bar popular two-in one products that mix sunscreen and insect repellent, saying there is potential for users to get too much DEET as they lather on the lotion." Full story below, including some scary research results. Just in time for black fly season. Somebody post some less-toxic remedies here, please!
But fans of the potent repellent can still get their fix for a while. Health Canada says retailers can continue selling some of the over-30% products until December, 2004, to let manufacturers deplete their existing stocks.
Still, the decision was applauded yesterday by a U.S. scientist who found symptoms of neurological damage in soldiers who used small doses of the compound daily for two months. In contrast, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decided recently not to tighten the regulations. "There are hundreds of papers in the literature saying there are problems with this chemical.... I totally agree with having the lower concentration of the chemical," said Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia, a pharmacology professor at Duke University. "[But]if it's used correctly in a small amount, it should be OK."
Various studies have found adverse effects from DEET ranging from large blisters to brain damage in children, three of whom have died in the past 40 years. Dr. Abou-Donia said problems arise when people -- usually soldiers or outside workers in mosquito-infested areas -- slap it on daily for long periods. His studies have also found problems when DEET is mixed with other chemicals. An assessment of the health risk from prolonged daily use -- more than most people would apply -- suggested the maximum concentration should be limited to 30% DEET, a Health Canada document states.
Studies also show users get no added relief from biting insects with repellent that has a higher concentration than that, the report says. About 70% of the repellent brands on the market already contain less than 30% DEET, but some popular products advertise a virtually undiluted solution of more than 90%.
But a spokeswoman for repellent suppliers said yesterday the new Health Canada rules are unnecessary and out of step with other jurisdictions. "We just believe it will reduce options available to Canadian consumers and their families to protect themselves from insects and insect-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus," said Shannon Coombs of the Canadian Consumer Speciality Products Association. "There is no evidence, anecdotal, scientific or otherwise that would lead one to conclude the products are dangerous ... They pose no unreasonable risk to the public."
The highly technical document detailing Health Canada's decision to change the rules dryly outlines studies on the effects of DEET on rats and other laboratory animals. But a fact sheet on the Web site of Cornell University's pesticide management education program paints a more vivid picture. Studies on U.S. soldiers and park wardens using DEET regularly found evidence of such skin reactions as large, painful blisters, rashes and a numb sensation in the lips. Employees at a park in Florida using DEET heavily were also more likely to have insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive functions, one study claimed.Researchers have recorded several instances of brain problems in children, with the most severe cases involving seizures, coma and even death.
have to use some general
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